So I finally got around to dismantling the "spare" 1098 I had on the workshop bench. (Shameless plug - to make life easier I got an engine stand and an adaptor plate from JB fabrications... it screws into the oil filter housing and alternator/dynamo mounts, I can very much recommend for something to make life easier)
The engine code suggests it was originally from a MkII Austin A40. At some point it found its way into a Minor that was bought for spares as a beyond saving example a year or two back. It was painted gold on the cylinder head and rocker cover, but the code doesn't seem to have been altered to suggest it was a genuine gold seal. That was curious!
Everything is now apart and having assessed the crank, it's not particularly oval but has worn quite a bit. It is just within tolerance of a regrind to take it to 0.040" undersize.
Just wondered what the approximate lifetime of it would be doing this vs. sourcing a better condition one, if anyone knows? Eg, 50,000 miles before needing to regrind. Really just trying to assess whether it's worth persevering with this crank or looking for a better one, in terms of longevity. If even at the limit for regrinding it's got a good shelf life then I might persevere with it.
As for the rest of the engine... I'm undecided. I don't actually have a car for it to go in, so I could keep it as a "known good" spare once it's sorted, sell it, or find a car that needs an engine... that's the option my wife is least keen on!!
